On Wednesday, we honored exceptional deputies, detention officers, and teammates for their courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to serving their community.
The commendation ceremony reflected the incredible work our team members perform across our agency, day in and day out. I am truly humbled to work alongside phenomenal public servants.
Nearly 140 recipients distinguished themselves through their sacrificial service and heroic acts on duty. Their efforts earned them commendations for bravery, lifesaving efforts, leadership, and a range of good and persistent police work.
Sacred Oath
Many felt they were simply carrying out their duties when they responded to the situations that led them to be recognized Wednesday.
They know the importance of falling back on their training and love for their neighbors. Their swift response and actions are a testament to who they are and what they stand for. They are willing to risk their lives to protect others. For them, the search for justice matters. For them, every life is sacred.
Even on what proved to be some of their most difficult days on the job, they maintained a servant leader’s heart. They were compassionate, especially to those in need. And even beyond these critical incidents, their daily interactions have been powerful and do not go unnoticed. These interactions are the ones that really distinguish us.
Serving Others
When you learn about what earned them an award, it’s truly unbelievable.
They have worked tirelessly through trying months. They consistently reported for duty during a difficult and unprecedented time. And without hesitation, they answered the call.
We also showcased the power of building meaningful partnerships in the community. Partnerships that elevate discussions on mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness. Specifically, an innovative partnership that received national recognition and serves as a force multiplier to our behavioral health training and community-oriented policing approach.
Some of them risked their lives while stopping others from harming themselves.
While patrol deputies talked to a suicidal teenager sitting on an overpass, a sergeant removed him from danger before he could jump. A deputy responded to a call where a man climbed a cell phone tower and planned to take his life. The deputy spoke with the man from a firefighter ladder and talked him down from the tower.
When a vehicle struck a concrete barrier and caught fire, responding deputies used fire extinguishers to suppress the fire and save the entrapped passenger.
Several detention officers performed life-saving measures on an inmate who was found unresponsive in a jail cell.
There are also stories of giving back to the community. A sergeant intervened in an armed robbery at a major retail store when she was shopping for school supplies to donate to children in need. A deputy organized a team for the Texas Ride for Autism and Disability, a 100-mile bike ride to Galveston that fundraised more than ten thousand dollars.
And our teammates stepped in to help our neighbors in Louisiana affected by Hurricane Laura’s destructive path.
Other award recipients performed exemplary work to solve the worst crimes. A deputy investigator worked tirelessly on a missing person case reassigned to the Homicide Unit. The months-long investigation led to the recovery of the missing person’s body and three arrests.
We know that solid police work means collaboration. Our Homicide Unit responds to hundreds of scenes every year. The unit’s murder clearance rate is consistently exceeding the national average.
We extend our sincere gratitude to their families. They know their loved one is performing a vital and sometimes dangerous job. This accomplishment also belongs to them.
We have an opportunity to make an impact every day in our profession. And we serve during a pivotal moment where law enforcement partners at all levels are combating the rise in violence. The pandemic has only underscored the hard work, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe.
Program
We have a tremendous obligation to those we serve. And we show our community what makes the Harris County Sheriff’s Office The Pride of Texas every day.
For the complete list of award recipients, please click here to download the program.